MY SON SENT ME THE ARTICLE ABOUT YOUR IRONMAN. CONGRATULATIONS. HE HAS DONE 2 IRONMAN'S AND I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO BE AT THEM. I KNOW THE EXCITEMENT AND OVERWHELMING SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT.

I AM 65 AND WAS DIAGNOSED WITH ALS IN AUGUST OF 1997. I AM VERY LUCKY THAT IT IS PROGRESSING SLOWLY. I WALK WITH A CANE AND HAVE A LITTLE HAND WEAKNESS. I WORK OUT 3 TIMES A WEEK. THE ALS CLINIC AT UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SAID REST, BUT I FIGURE KEEP WHATEVER MUSCLE TONE THERE IS. THEY ARE RIGHT THOUGH, THAT IF I OVERDO IT, I FEEL IT FOR A DAY OR TWO. I THINK YOUR NOT DOING ANY MORE IRONMAN'S IS WISE.

DO YOU HAVE ANY POETRY ON YOUR WEB SITE? I AM A RETIRED ENGLISH TEACHER ANDFOOTBALL COACH AND WOULD BE INTERESTED.

ALSO IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF NEUROLOGY NOW, GOOD ARTICLE ON LADY WITH ALS AND SOME OF HER POEMS.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS? I DO SOME OF THOSE.

TAKE CARE,

JIM MARTIN

ST. CLAIR SHORES, MI

Friday, June 16th, 2006

BLAZEMAN RECEIVES STEPHEN HEYWOOD PATIENTS TODAY AWARD

This award is presented by ALS-TDF to a member of the ALS community who has proven to be a strong advocate for research and awareness. He/She consistently stays abreast of current research trends both in the United States and abroad. This person challenges his/her own community to collectively fight the disease while serving as an educator for those unfamiliar with ALS. He/She challenges ALS research institutions to focus on patients today in the hopes of accelerating a treatment or cure. They serve as a role model for patients today to find strength and determination to fight this disease each and every day.

The Nomination Essay By Erin & Vanessa8h Grade Students At Flat River Middle School

Dear Stephen & Jamie,

I want to say THANKS!!! for my recognition at the leadership summit. Stephen, you are a true Warrior. If there is anyone who is a vision of hope, it is you. Jamie, when I first showed up at your door 8 months ago and said; "I'm here to work for TDF that's what I'm gonna do..." I tried to follow in your footsteps... hopefully, as much as possible, like you did getting your foundation off the ground and running. I believed in TDF's mission... second to none. I'll never forget that late night that I was shaking with ALS and found your website. Since then, "The ALS Warrior Poet's Website & Blazeman's War on ALS" efforts will be well over a hundred grand by summer's end. I have no doubt it will continue...
THANK YOU!!! again...

-blazeman

Friday, June 16th, 2006

Blazeman,

I found your website today from the link from IronmanLive. I am so happy to have found it because I have been thinking about you! I have watched the 2005 Ironman Kona DVD numerous times during my long training rides in preparation of Ironman CDA next week. To say your an inspiration really does not seem like it is enough. I was diagnosed with MS just 7 months before my first Ironman last year. It was a devastating blow but I knew I had to keep training and do the things that I am passionate about until I am no longer able. We must continue to fight these diseases with everything we have. I think they chose the wrong people when they chose to invade our bodies. Jon, don't these diseases know we are Ironman?

All my best,

Cheryl

Friday, June 16th, 2006

Hey Blazeman,

I have read about you and heard about you over this past year through the world of sports. My husband and I both have participated in triathlons and are wow'd by your strength, will and love of life. Congratulations on Ironman. Kona, of all things! How amazing! I bet you are still feeding off that energy?!

My neighbor is Brian Duffy and I know that you and your family have been in contact with his family as he is raising money for ALS in your name. He is a strong young man in his sport, but more so in his heart. His desire to raise money for ALS hits close to my heart as my mom was diagnosed in 2004 with this disease. When he told me that he was going to raise money for ALS this summer, I couldn't have been more proud of a kid that isn't even mine.

I went to your site the other day and I have to say, felt inspired and sad all at the same time. Maybe it is because my family is going through all of this same stuff right now and my mom is being over taken by this disease as we speak? Maybe it was to see people loving multi-sport out there trying to make a difference and doing it for ALS? It was a combination of feelings that I still am not sure I can explain.

What I really wanted to tell you is that I am so proud of what you have done and continue to do. You give everyone in the world a sports and beyond that extra boost of energy and adrenaline to take the next hill, push the next wave, go the extra mile. Wow. Pretty powerful stuff...

I hope this e-mail finds you well and we will continue to pray for you as one our PALS!

My mom uses this as her mantra and I know she would want me to share it with you. "Strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow"...

Kind regards,

Shannon Le Mintier

Thursday, June 15th, 2006

Cliff,

As I sit here typing this e-mail to you from many miles away... I'm listening to the words of Sir William Wallace... it's been a while since I've sat down and just marveled at your creation... it still brings me back to our very first late nights... there we were on the verge of greatness... pounding away at something... while Pre 5K Vicki sat nestled in her command center... we knew not where it would take us... but we knew it had to be done... LOVE YOU BOTH!!!

Honorary MOT
-blazeman

Thursday, June 15th, 2006

Jon,

I'm not sure this e-mail goes directly to you but I
hope so.

I met your dad on last Friday at the expo for the
Eagleman Triathlon in Cambridge, MD. My mom and
younger daughter were with me when we saw the video of
you competing in Kona. It was inspiring to see, not
just the way you competed (which is clear from your
website that you've always done), but also how much
your dad is filled with love and pride for you.

When we saw you roll across the finish line and your
dad explained what that was all about and asked me if
I would roll, I said that I would and I consider it an
honor.

I rolled across the finish line in 5:43:59, not my
best time but, considering the conditions, not
terrible. It was my third long-distance triathlon and
fifth overall. I hope to get better and do many more.
If there is ever a team in training for ALS, please
let me know.

Also, whenever those shirts that were on display are
on sale, I'd like to buy one.

Thanks so much for the letter and picture of your log roll in Kona. It was real nice to have met your Dad at Eagleman in Maryland. He is a kind and generous man. I believe our meeting him was meant to be. I had watched the Kona video for the 1st time 3 days before Eagleman in hope to get myself psyched up. It worked and your story was all the inspiration I needed to get through taht long day. I had passed the video on to my brothers and they too carried away some new energy from your inspirational story. So when your Dad came walking into that restaurant I knew we were meant to share our stories on how we had gotten to the same place.

We appreciate you guys donating money toward ALS research in Michael "Jack" McGee's name. Michaek is a very soecial person to us and the reason we know all too well the importance of bringing awareness to the many things people are suffering from in this world. My son Michael was born with Down Syndrome back in November of 2004. Since then he has brought us more happiness than we could ever have imagined.

I enclosed a picture of my brother Greg and myself with some friends at the Wycoff sprint triathlon from this past weekend. We recruited some ALS Warriors for you and the fellow Poets along with posting your logo during the race. You will forever be in our thoughts and prayers. We wish you and your family the best.

"What we do in life echoes in eternity".Maximus The Gladiator

Strength and honor,

Chris McGee

Long Live Number 179

Sunday, June 9th, 2006

JJ:

Please have my booth in the same spot in Kona as in 2005.

Also, please make space for a booth for Jon Blais, you know the Blazeman! He and I are working together with his War on ALS. I know He and his Dad would love to be with the EagleMan Guys!

Mahalo and you Rock!

See you fit and ready at IronGirl Columbia in August...

Rob Vigoritio

EagleMan Ironman 70.3

Saturday, June 3rd and Sunday June 4th, 2006

BLAZEMAN'S WAR ON ALS

(Click Here)

Wednesday, June 1st, 2006

Hi...

This is Jess...I'm writing late...but I would like to send my thanks for eveything you have done and what courage it took to do those things. I am from the Flat River Middle School... Freedom Team, and I am truly inspired by your bravery of fighting this disease. Lastly I would like to thank you again for all you have helped, inspired, and motivated to fight ALS. You have me and my school... and many.